Philippines to send 115 student-athletes to ASEAN games

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is sending 115 athletes who won gold, silver and bronze in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa to the 5th Association of South East Asian Nations schools games in Hanoi, Vietnam from June 22 to June 30, the Department of Education said Friday.

"We wish our athletes good luck and remind them that they are not only competitors but our ambassadors of goodwill," Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.

Luistro said the event is an incentive for the young athletes and a chance for them to have international exposure.

Luistro also lauded the Philippine Sports Commission for actively supporting student athletes.

"We will continue to work together to enhance the promotion and development of sports in the country with the hope of producing more world-class athletes," he said.

The 5th ASEAN Schools Games will be participated in by over 1,500 athletes and coaches from the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The events are track and field, sepak takraw, swimming, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, table tennis, volleyball and pencaksilat.

Organized under the supervision of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council, an apolitical regional sports organization that promotes sports amongst member countries, the ASG aims to enhance friendship among students around the region.

The event also seeks to promote ASEAN solidarity among the youth through school sports and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage in cultural exchange.

The Philippines will host the 6th ASG next year.